Does Celexa (citalopram) help you?

Posted by Gene Ames, Jr. @gamesjr, Oct 2, 2018

Does Citalopram or Celexa help get rid of minor depression? What disage? 20 mg or 40 mg?

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@gamesjr

I take one tablet of Citalopram 20 mg each morning. it seems ro be working ok as an antidepressant. But I suffer from chronic fatigue and tiredness from upon awakening all day. I sleep good with a BiPab machine and I have AFIB. Otherwise in good health for an old 85 year old man. I am convinced that my excessive tiredness is caused by a medicine I take and I suspect its Citalopram. Any ideas appreciated.

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I found that the medication I was taking for my high BP was making me very tired. I switched and now I am fine.

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My Doctor has just prescribed me this for Anxiety. I’m nervous to try because of side affects. Any guidance or suggestions would be helpful. Are side affects bad? I need to work daily. Thanks.

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@lamer4016

My Doctor has just prescribed me this for Anxiety. I’m nervous to try because of side affects. Any guidance or suggestions would be helpful. Are side affects bad? I need to work daily. Thanks.

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@lamar4016 Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect! When we get prescribed a new medication, it's not unusual to have questions about how it might affect us in our daily life.

I have taken Citalopram, also known as Celexa, for a couple of years now, and have used it two other times before. What has your doctor said to you about how to take it? In my experience, I take it at night, and it is a low dose of 10mg. For me, I wanted to be able to function clearly, but also experience the beneficial effects of the medication. For me it is a tool against depression and anxiety, and works! One side effect that some people seem to have is weight gain, but I haven't had that issue.

If you do decide to go forward with it, please be aware that like any other antianxiety or antidepressant medication, it is not one you can simply stop. You will need to taper off. Otherwise you run the risk of bad side effects.

Here is what Mayo Clinic has to say about Citalopram: https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/citalopram-oral-route/side-effects/drg-20062980?p=1
Ginger

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@lamer4016

My Doctor has just prescribed me this for Anxiety. I’m nervous to try because of side affects. Any guidance or suggestions would be helpful. Are side affects bad? I need to work daily. Thanks.

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I have been on this for years. I have had no side effects. Medicine affects everyone differently due to our chemical make ups. I say give it a try and see if it's better or worse. It helps me immensely. I have been able to cut my dosage of 40 mg in half in summer and take full in winter due to I get seasonal affection disorder. I have also found that cbd oil gummies help me greatly. Hope you find your relief. God bless !

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@lamer4016

My Doctor has just prescribed me this for Anxiety. I’m nervous to try because of side affects. Any guidance or suggestions would be helpful. Are side affects bad? I need to work daily. Thanks.

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Hi Lamer, I'll add my welcome to @gingerw and @macrdo's. You'll notice that I moved your question about Celexa (citalopram) to this existing discussion where @gamesjr asked almost the same question:
- Does Celexa (citalopram) help you? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/any-help-from-celexa-citalopram/

I did this so you can read the previous helpful posts Gene got and connect easily with fellow members like @raebaby @mum1989 @sandysurf @cdcc @mummy43 @tim1028 and ask them questions.

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@gingerw

@lamar4016 Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect! When we get prescribed a new medication, it's not unusual to have questions about how it might affect us in our daily life.

I have taken Citalopram, also known as Celexa, for a couple of years now, and have used it two other times before. What has your doctor said to you about how to take it? In my experience, I take it at night, and it is a low dose of 10mg. For me, I wanted to be able to function clearly, but also experience the beneficial effects of the medication. For me it is a tool against depression and anxiety, and works! One side effect that some people seem to have is weight gain, but I haven't had that issue.

If you do decide to go forward with it, please be aware that like any other antianxiety or antidepressant medication, it is not one you can simply stop. You will need to taper off. Otherwise you run the risk of bad side effects.

Here is what Mayo Clinic has to say about Citalopram: https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/citalopram-oral-route/side-effects/drg-20062980?p=1
Ginger

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Thank you. My prescription says to take in morning 10mg First time I have taken anything. I may ask my Doctor if night would be better.

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@macrdo

I have been on this for years. I have had no side effects. Medicine affects everyone differently due to our chemical make ups. I say give it a try and see if it's better or worse. It helps me immensely. I have been able to cut my dosage of 40 mg in half in summer and take full in winter due to I get seasonal affection disorder. I have also found that cbd oil gummies help me greatly. Hope you find your relief. God bless !

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Thank you. I plan to start tomorrow. Thanks for response.

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@lamer4016

Thank you. I plan to start tomorrow. Thanks for response.

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Best wishes to you and God Bless you !

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@lamer4016

Thank you. My prescription says to take in morning 10mg First time I have taken anything. I may ask my Doctor if night would be better.

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@lamer4016 Be gentle on yourself. It might be a few days before you notice anything, as the blood levels build in your system. On the other hand, you might not notice much at all , then stop and look back over a week and realize that you handled it all in a better frame of mind. Starting with a low dose can do that, and for me, that was much preferred.

Will you let me know how you do?
Ginger

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@gingerw

@lamer4016 Be gentle on yourself. It might be a few days before you notice anything, as the blood levels build in your system. On the other hand, you might not notice much at all , then stop and look back over a week and realize that you handled it all in a better frame of mind. Starting with a low dose can do that, and for me, that was much preferred.

Will you let me know how you do?
Ginger

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For sure. What dose did you start at?

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